[Federal Register: June 12, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 112)]
[Notices]
[Page 33772-33773]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12jn06-107]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Lima, MT
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan
and environmental assessment; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This notice advises that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated environmental
documents for Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Lima,
Montana. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with
Service CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of its
intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of
issues to be considered in the planning process.
DATES: Written comments must be received by July 12, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Comments and requests for more information regarding Red
Rock Lakes NWR should be sent to Laura King, Planning Team Leader,
Tewaukon NWR, Division of Refuge Planning, 9754 143\1/2\ Avenue, SE.,
Cayuga, North Dakota 58013-9764.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura King, 701-724-3598, or Linda
Kelly at 303-236-8132.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Service has initiated a CCP for Red Rock
Lakes NWR for the conservation and enhancement of its natural
resources. Red Rock Lakes NWR has six establishing purposes: (1) ``as a
refuge and breeding ground for wild birds and animals'' (Executive
Order 7023, dated April 22, 1935); (2) ``for use as an inviolate
sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds''
(16 U.S.C. 715d [Migratory Bird Conservation Act]); (3) ``for (a)
incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, (b) the
protection of natural resources, [and] (c) the conservation of
endangered species or threatened species'' (16 U.S.C. 460k-1), ``the
Secretary * * * may accept and use * * * real* * * property. Such
acceptance may be accomplished under the terms and conditions of
restrictive covenants imposed by donors.'' (16 U.S.C. 460k-2 (Refuge
Recreation Act [16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4], as amended)); (4) ``the
conservation of the wetlands of the Nation in order to maintain the
public benefits they provide and to help fulfill international
obligations contained in various migratory bird treaties and
conventions'' (16 U.S.C. 3901(b) [Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of
1986]); (5) ``for the development, advancement, management,
conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources'' (16
U.S.C. 742f(a)(4)), ``for the benefit of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and services. Such
acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or
affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude.'' (16 U.S.C.
742f(b)(1) [Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956]); (6) ``conservation,
management, and restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources
and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of
Americans'' (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) [National Wildlife Refuge System
Administration Act]).
This Refuge encompasses 58,326 acres, of which 32,350 are
designated as wilderness. The Refuge lies in the high-elevation
Centennial Valley and contains primarily wetland and riparian habitats.
This minimally altered natural and diverse habitat provides for species
such as trumpeter swans, moose, sandhill cranes, curlews, peregrine
falcons, eagles, numerous hawks and owls, badgers, wolverines, bears,
pronghorn, and wolves (in the backcountry). Native fish such as Arctic
grayling and west-slope cutthroat trout occur in Refuge waters.
During the comprehensive planning process, management goals,
objectives, and strategies will be developed to carry out the purposes
of the Refuge, and to comply with laws and policies governing refuge
management and public use of the Refuge.
The Service requests input as to which issues affecting management
or public use should be addressed during the planning process. The
Service is especially interested in receiving public input in the
following areas:
(a) What do you value most about this Refuge?
(b) What problems or issues do you see affecting management of this
Refuge?
(c) What changes, if any, would you like to see in the management
of this Refuge?
The Service has provided the above questions for your optional use.
The Service has no requirement that you provide information; however,
any comments received by the Planning Team will be used as part of the
planning process.
Opportunities for public input will also be provided at a public
meeting to be scheduled for early summer 2006. Exact dates and times
for these public meetings are yet to be determined, but
[[Page 33773]]
will be announced via local media and a newsletter. All information
provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public meetings (e.g.,
names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings)
becomes part of the official public record. If requested under the
Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or organization, the
Service may provide copies of such information. The environmental
review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508);
other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; Executive Order 12996;
the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and
Service policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and
regulations.
Dated: May 5, 2006.
James J. Slack,
Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO.
[FR Doc. E6-9068 Filed 6-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P